"Blacken the sky Can't stand to see the sun The truth of light Reveals the hatred that has won" – I Saw The End by Pallbearer

Last year came Landscape of Ice and Stargazer, now this year Skognatt presents yet another release titled Ancient Wisdom. This release is on the shorter side as only two tracks appear on it topping five minutes each. Even though this release is very short, you are provided with some mystifying and solid atmospheric black metal to lose yourself in. Through both tracks, the atmosphere is dense, dark and ominous and sooner rather than later you become wrapped up in its cold embrace. Neither of these tracks are fast paced either as they are played at a slower tempo which only adds to the ominous and quickening darkness aesthetic.

Skognatt begins Ancient Wisdom with a somber lead in that quickly disappears as they dive straight in to their down tempo cynicism. Complete with malevolent vocals that switch between haunting whispers and demon like screams, the opener-which is also the title track-trudges along gifting you with a listen that is devoid of light and all together cynical. The second track Xibalba provides you with more of the same sound; slow in tempo which picks up to mid tempo in certain parts, demon like vocals, and an undeniably dark atmosphere. In both of the tracks that appear on this record, the slower tempo works really well with the atmosphere that is presented ultimately providing you with a cohesive and dismally dark listen.

Skognatt does a great job of letting the atmosphere kind of take on a life of its own. It doesn’t feel forced or unwanted even though it is spread like the plague across each second of Ancient Wisdom. Nor are the atmospheric elements in your face or too over bearing as they can be some times. Instead, they are incorporated seamlessly to create an overall smooth, mystifying and dark sound that you will have trouble forgetting.

My only gripe about this release is the fact that it isn’t longer, and really that’s it. Ancient Wisdom is a solid release overall that has elements of traditional black metal as well as atmospheric black metal working together in cohesion to create a well executed sound.